As a public service, the BenitoLink team provides a frequent roundup of recent COVID-19 related data, resources and articles about San Benito County.
As of 4:55 p.m. on Jan. 14, 4,698 people in San Benito County have tested positive for the coronavirus since the first confirmed case in February 2020. Seven hundred thirty seven are active patients, 3,920 have recovered and 41 have died, with the latest death reported Jan. 13. The county’s current positivity rate is 16.3%. For the most updated information, visit the San Benito County COVID-19 Dashboard.
The San Joaquin Valley Region’s ICU availability is 0%. For more information on this and the regional stay-at-home order, visit the state webpage on COVID-19 restrictions.
Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital currently has no ICU beds available. Monterey County hospitals have a combined number of 21 ICU beds open and Santa Clara County hospitals have 30 with one of those beds in St. Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy. For more information visit COVID-19 Hospitals Dashboard.
As of Jan. 13, San Benito County has received 2,460 vaccines (1st and 2nd doses), distributed 1,090 doses and is currently in Phase 1A, tiers 1-3 and preparing for Phase 1B. Click here to view a description of each phase and tier.
Recent Articles
San Benito County drafting new ordinance to address noncompliance with COVID-19 regulations—Supervisors will consider legislation at a special Jan. 15 meeting.
San Benito County prepares to enter Phase 1B for COVID-19 vaccinations—Move to next phase contingent on the receipt of vaccine from the state.
Seniors 65+ eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine—New state tool to notify people of vaccine eligibility expected to launch next week.
San Benito County COVID-19 Vaccination Interest Portal is live—Platform is only for those individuals identified in Phase 1B. It is not a vaccination appointment system.
Vaccinations
San Benito is preparing to enter Phase 1B of the vaccination schedule. The timing of the start and continuing of that phase depends on receipt of vaccines from the state.
See article above.
Seniors 65 and above are now eligible in the next round of vaccine administrations. This is a change from 75 and above.
See article above.
Vaccination Interest Portal is Live
This platform is only for those individuals identified is Phase 1B and is not to schedule an appointment
Vaccination Interest: https://hhsa.cosb.us/covid-19-vaccine-info/
See article above.
Resources
The State has several hotlines for residents to call for suicide prevention, abuse, and mental health:
24-hour Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 or text 838255
24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or click Chat Now
Call 911 if you or the person you are helping is in immediate danger.
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health, better known as Cal/OSHA, helps protect workers from health and safety hazards in almost every workplace in California.
Visit Cal/OSHA for information about workplace safety and health.
File a confidential workplace safety complaint.
File a whistleblower complaint if you suffer retaliation for reporting a workplace safety hazard
Obtain free consultation services from Cal/OSHA.
Contact Cal/OSHA at 844-522-6734.
State and federal elected officials’ COVID-19 web pages.
State of California: https://covid19.ca.gov/ https://covid19.ca.gov/es/
San Benito County Health and Human Services Agency/Coronavirus
Food Distribution Community Food Bank www.communityfoodbankofsbc.org
Drive-thru service at the marketplace Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 1133 San Felipe Rd. in Hollister. Sign-ups for supplemental food are done by phone 831-637-0340
Food Distribution Salvation Army hollister.salvationarmy.org Drive-thru service Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m. 910 Buena Vista Rd. Hollister Sign-ups not required To schedule delivery call 310-753-6520.
Public Assistance CalFresh/Medi-Cal/Cash Aid/GA hhsa.cosb.us apply online at www.c4yourself.com 831-636-4180.
Unemployment Insurance Benefits Employment Development Department apply online at www.edd.ca.gov/ui_online 831-638-3306.
Senior Services Delivery of essential items and food City of Hollister and Jovenes de Antano [email protected] 831-636-4390.
Disability/Paid Family Leave Employment Development Department apply online at www.edd.ca.gov/sdi_online 831-638-3306.
United Way of San Benito County 2-1-1 Text your Zip Code to 831-898-211 or call 211 Text COVID2019 to 211211
Tips for avoiding COVID-19
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
- Keep a minimum of a six feet physical distance from others.
- Avoid people who are sick.
- Stay at home. Only leave to take care of essential errands.
- Cover your cough and sneeze.
- Cover your face (mouth and nose) with protective covering when in public
- Disinfect frequently touched objects.
- If you think you might be infected call your health care professional and follow their directions.
BenitoLink is a nonprofit news website that reports on San Benito County. Our team is working around the clock during this time when accurate information is essential. It is expensive to produce local news and community support is what keeps the news flowing. Please consider supporting BenitoLink, San Benito County’s news.
